Ashe's spokeswoman Afaf Konja said the discussions covered the ongoing impact of terrorism on Iraq, including the negative effects on political progress, institution building, and economic and social development.

The statement said Shaways also raised the upcoming elections in Iraq, and expressed gratitude for the support of the United Nations, and expressed an interest for the further strengthening of the role of the United Nations including through the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored Iraq's desire to improve relations with its neighbours, and highlighted the plight of the Syrian refugees in Iraq, particularly the constraints Iraq experiences while facilitating humanitarian assistance to the Syrian refugees in the country.